Food Partnership Coordinator

Food Partnership Coordinator
Part Time 29.6 hours - Flexible Shift Pattern
Fixed Term Contract until 31/03/2029

Support communities to thrive through better food opportunities.

Who we are & what we stand for

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.

We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Help shape a healthier, fairer and more sustainable future for Gateshead.

The Community, Health and Wellbeing Service at Gateshead Council works in close partnership with local communities, residents and organisations to improve health outcomes and quality of life across the borough. The team leads on the development and delivery of strategic programmes, projects and policies that address poverty, inequality and disadvantage, with a strong focus on supporting a healthy standard of living. Key areas include coordinating action to tackle poverty including food and fuel poverty and the Holiday Activities and Food Programme, supporting the Warm Welcome Spaces network, developing high-quality volunteering opportunities, and supporting initiatives that strengthen communities and reduce inequalities.

Join us to make nutritious, culturally appropriate, and environmentally sustainable food affordable and accessible for everyone in Gateshead.

We're looking for an inspiring and collaborative Food Partnership Coordinator to lead the development of the Gateshead Food Partnership, bringing together organisations, communities and residents to transform the local food system. This is a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change by improving access to affordable, nutritious and culturally appropriate food, reducing inequalities, supporting community resilience and contributing to climate action. Working across public, voluntary, community, education and business sectors, you'll connect people, ideas and resources to turn shared ambitions into real-world impact for communities across Gateshead.

What you'll get to do:

• Lead the development and delivery of the Gateshead Food Partnership.
• Build and influence partnerships that improve food access, health, sustainability and community resilience.
• Develop and implement the Gateshead Good Food Strategy and Action Plan.
• Engage communities and stakeholders to ensure local voices and lived experience shape priorities and solutions.
• Support innovative community food projects, food growing initiatives and food education programmes.
• Champion equality, diversity and inclusion across all aspects of the Partnership's work.
• Raise the profile of Gateshead's food agenda through events, campaigns, communications and networks.
• Monitor impact and contribute to Council priorities on health, wellbeing, sustainability and reducing inequalities.

What You'll bring:

• Graduate qualification or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject or significant experience.
• Experience of building and maintaining effective partnerships across public, voluntary, community, faith and private sector organisations.
• Experience of leading or coordinating programmes, projects or partnerships that deliver positive outcomes for health, wellbeing, sustainability or community resilience.
• Knowledge and understanding of food systems, food insecurity, health inequalities, sustainable food and the wider determinants of health.
• Experience of engaging communities, facilitating collaboration and using lived experience to inform decision-making and service development.
• Strong communication, influencing and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and inspire a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to develop and deliver strategies, action plans and projects, using data and evidence to monitor performance and demonstrate impact.
• Knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion principles and safeguarding principles with a commitment to ensuring diverse communities are represented and involved in shaping local priorities.

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days (pro-rat'd for part time staff).
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation

How to apply

You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.

We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.

If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk

Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.

Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.